The rolling hills of Alportel and the São Brás de Alportel region are perfect for lovely walks and hikes. Nearby is the unique Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which consists of approximately 18,000 hectares of lagoons and boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna. Discover some small trails and roads winding through cork oak and olive groves that lead you through picturesque villages, where you can enjoy a cup of good coffee and homemade cake.
Sections of the famous Via Algarviana offer further opportunities. The trail is more than 300 km long and crosses the Algarve from west (Cabo São Vicente) to east (Alcoutim), passing through São Brás de Alportel. The Via Algarviana takes hikers through the Barrocal and the Serra, across rivers and hills, past old windmills, springs, and chapels—all of which showcase the archaeological and historical diversity and richness of this region. For more information, please visit portuguesetrails.com.
And don’t miss the Cork Route (Rota da Cortiça). It’s the perfect way to learn more about the noble cork oak (sobreiro), the art of cork harvesting, and the fascinating properties of this 100% natural raw material. Along the route, you can visit Nova Cortiça, a cork processing plant whose cork ultimately ends up in the champagne bottles of the great French houses.
